If you go into residential care on a permanent basis, the value of your home may be taken into account when we decide how much you have pay towards your care home fees. Sometimes the value of your home is not taken into account, for example, if your partner continues to live there. We can tell you about other situations.
When the value of your home is taken into account, and you do not have sufficient income or other assets to pay the full cost of your residential or nursing home care, you may have to sell your home in order to pay the fees. However, for your first 12 weeks in residential care the value of your home is disregarded so you need only contribute assessed income and other assets towards your care home fees.
After the '12 week property disregard' has expired, you can ask that Social Services make up any shortfall in subsequent weeks. In effect we will allow you to defer part of your assessed contribution to your fees, although you will still have to contribute assessed income and other assets to your fees. You, or your estate, will only pay back the deferred contributions when you sell your home or leave residential care. We will not charge interest on deferred payments, although reasonable interest will be levied from 56 days after repayment is due. The agreement between us will be put in writing, signed and a copy given to you.
If your house is already for sale, it may not be possible to make a deferred payments agreement with you.
If we agree to your request for deferred payments, you are advised to seek independent financial advice before arrangements are finalised. You should particularly check your entitlement to:
Please note: It is possible that we may turn down your request because of other priorities. The reason will be given to you in writing and you will be advised how to complain about the decision.
Back to top